Robotic game with perimeter boundaries

ABSTRACT

A method and system are provided for identifying when and which robot targets fall into which pockets of a billiard table or pass through gates in the walls of a perimeter boundary, as well as boundary walls and gates that may be used to form various shaped playing areas. The identification of a robot target in a pocket may be used for scoring traditional games of pocket billiards, or for scoring robotic based games played on the surface of the billiard table. The identification sensor in certain embodiments may be mounted on the user configurable gates. Numeric values may be printed on the face of the robot targets to determine a winner of a game based on a total score of values of those robot targets knocked in by a player by themselves or by controlling a robot that pushes the robot targets.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/870,480 filed Aug. 27, 2013, and US Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/985,855 filed Apr. 29, 2014; the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention in general relates to entertainment and games, and in particular to boundaries for robotic and other games played on a flat surface or floor, in a pinball game or on tables of any sort such as billiard, pool, craps, air hockey, ping pong, round, rectangular, square, oval, etc. The games are pool/billiards played with robots instead of cues, pinball played with robots instead of flippers, mini-golf played with robots instead of clubs, shooting galleries played with robots instead of guns, or any combination thereof, played simultaneously with multiple robots, robot targets, players, and multiple smartphones to control the game. The robots are designed to push robot targets through gates and fire munitions at weapons targets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Most robot games are intended for the robots to push each other around (sumo), destroy each other (e.g., BattleBots, RobotWars, etc.), or play some form of soccer (push/roll/kick a ball into a goal). In addition, some robot games are designed for a specific purpose for hobbyists and educational competitions (e.g., First, etc.).

In a particular game played on a pool or billiard table surface, competing robots are used to score points by pushing or knocking pool balls into the table pockets. A traditional billiard or pool table has six pockets for aiming at and targeting pool balls, with four pockets positioned at the corners of the table, and two pockets positioned at each of the midpoints of the table lengthwise sides. However, there are currently no automated methods for identifying when and which balls fall into which pockets of a billiard table and controllable perimeter boundaries designed to control access to the pockets.

In a similar game played on a flat surface without existing pockets, competing robots are used to score points by pushing or knocking robot targets such as balls, pucks, blocks, etc. through openings (gates) in the perimeter boundaries. However, there are currently no automated methods for identifying when and which robot targets pass through which openings or gates of the controllable perimeter boundaries designed to control access to the openings.

Thus, there exists a need for an automated method and system for identifying when and which robot targets fall into which pockets or pass through which openings of a perimeter boundary, and for controllable perimeter boundaries designed to control access to the pockets, gates or openings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An automated method and system for identifying when and which robot targets fall into which pockets of a billiard table or pass through gates in the walls of a perimeter boundary, as well as boundary walls and gates that may be used to form various shaped playing areas is provided. The identification of a robot target in a pocket may be used for scoring traditional games of pocket billiards, or for scoring robotic based games played on the surface of the billiard table. The identification sensor in certain embodiments may be mounted on the user configurable gates. Numeric values may be printed on the face of the robot targets to determine a winner of a game based on a total score of values of those robot targets knocked in by a player by themselves or by controlling a robot that pushes the robot targets.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top down view of a billiard table with identification and tracking sensors positioned in the table pockets according to embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side perspective drawing showing a billiard table with an identification and tracking sensor suspended above the table according to embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 3A is a side perspective view of a pool ball with an identification barcode according to embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 3B is a side perspective view of a pool ball with a unique machine readable or recognizable electronics/component (RFID, magnets, etc.) embedded inside according to embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 4A-4C are perspective views of gates and wall sections that form a boundary on a billiard table, rectangular or flat surface according to embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 5A-5C are perspective views of gates and wall sections that form a boundary on a round surface according to embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 6A-6E are perspective views of the latch and configuration thereof for securing the boundary walls and gates to a surface such as the round surface shown according to embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 6F is a perspective view of a sliding latch for securing the boundary walls and gates to a surface such as the round surface shown according to embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a flat blank from which five gate configurations 90, 90L, 90R, 45, 0 are formed according to embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 8A-8L are perspective views of a “90” gate and various configurations of boundary walls and openings formed with the “90” gates according to embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 9A-9H are perspective views of a “0” gate and various configurations of boundary walls and openings formed with the “0” gates and “90” gates according to embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 10A-10G are perspective views of a “45” gate and various configurations of boundary walls and openings formed with the “45” gates and “0” gates according to embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 11A-11F are perspective views of a “90L” gate and “90R” gate and various configurations of boundary walls and openings formed with the “90L” and “90R” gates according to embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 12A-12B are perspective views of a hinged gate according to embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 13A-13F are perspective views showing relative sizes of the robot or ball to gate openings that allow or impede pass through of the robot or ball according to embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 14A-14F are perspective views of a manual gate in a “0” gate and “45” gate according to embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 15A-15D are perspective views of a motorized gate according to embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 16A-16 k are perspective views of a gate sensor for detecting the robot or robot target according to embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 17A-17E are perspective views of an auto target ball (mini ball cannon) supply according to embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 18A-18D are perspective views of a weapon target module according to embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 19A-19D are perspective views of target facades for the weapon target modules of FIGS. 11A-11D according to embodiments of the invention; and

FIGS. 20A-20K are perspective views of building facades, the robot target supply and weapon target modules of FIGS. 17A-17E and FIGS. 18A-18D, respectively according to embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has utility as an automated method and system for identifying when and which robot targets fall into which pockets of a billiard table or pass through gates in the walls of a perimeter boundary, as well as boundary walls and gates that may be used to form various shaped playing areas. The identification of a robot target in a pocket may be used for scoring traditional games of pocket billiards, or for scoring robotic based games played on the surface of the billiard table. The identification sensor in certain embodiments may be mounted on the user configurable gates. For example, the numeric values printed on the face of the robot targets may be added to determine a winner of a game based on a total score of values of those robot targets knocked in by a player by themselves or by controlling a robot that pushes the robot targets.

In a first embodiment of the inventive robot target identification system, a vision system is positioned at each pocket of the table or gate in the perimeter boundary. Alternatively, the vision system is placed on, around, above the table, or on a user configurable boundary with gates. A video camera may be mounted above the playing surface for implementing: vision system software to track robot targets going into pockets of a pool table or through gates in a perimeter boundary, and for broadcasting video of the game so the game can be played remotely and for instant replay. The vision system can track and identify individual robot targets (pool balls, etc.) with character recognition of the number printed on the robot target's surface (numbered 1 through 15 with no change to the existing pool balls appearances) when they go into any of the pockets (assigned numbers 1 through 6). Alternatively, each of the robot targets (pool balls, billiard balls, tennis balls, ping pong balls, pin balls, etc.) have unique machine readable (vision) markings or colors (in addition to the standard markings of numbers, colors and stripes) for each robot target (1 through 15) that are operative with the identification vision system. Markings may include colors, barcodes, quick response (QR) codes, or other coded representations of numbers or uniqueness.

In an alternative embodiment of the inventive robot target identification system, each robot target may have a unique machine readable or recognizable electronics/components (RFID, magnets, etc.) embedded inside each robot target. Sensors operative to read and determine the type (number value) based on the radio frequency identification (RFID), magnet, or other electronic embedded components, may be positioned at each of the pockets in a pool/billiard table or the gates of a perimeter boundary. Alternatively, a sensor system may be placed on, around, under, or above the boundaries and/or gates that can track and identify individual robot targets when they go into or through any gate.

In an embodiment of the inventive robot target identification system, a playing surface mat embedded with tracking and identification sensors, the mat dimensioned to fit the perimeter boundary's playing surface, may be used to track the robot targets. The mat may have a plain felt like finish, as found on billiard tables, without any markings, or may have markings related to a game, such as a robotic game with graphics and indicators for positioning game pieces before play begins (and to protect pool table or flat surface). In embodiments the mat may have Intelligence to monitor game pieces (robot targets), and/or electronic graphics for visual stimulation of the players and audience. The mat may also be rolled up for easy transport and storage.

In instances where robots are part of the game being played on the billiard table or in the perimeter boundary, the robots themselves may be configured with sensors for detecting and tracking which one of and when robot targets enter a pocket or pass through a gate. As noted above the sensor used in the robots would be operative to recognize robot targets with unique machine readable or recognizable electronics/components (RFID, magnets, etc.) inside each target, or machine readable (vision) unique marks for each robot target, or the markings and colors (stripes and solids and numbers 1 through 15) on a typical set of pool balls.

In embodiments of the robot target identification system, robot targets and robots may be in communication with a central controller or computing device by wireless or wired connection, as well as with a display for showing scoring, current status of the robot targets, and other gaming parameters.

The perimeter boundaries may be formed of stamped metal parts, or formed from plastics, composites, or wood. Various boundaries defining the playing area are composed of perimeter modules, walls, gates and/or facades. Playing areas defined by the boundaries include rectangles, squares, octagons, circles, free-form, ovals or combinations thereof.

Modules, walls, gates and/or facades are configured to attach together to form the perimeter boundary.

Perimeter modules may be any combination of walls, gates and facades.

Walls are configured to mount modules, gates and facades

Gates are configured to mount manual blocking gate, motorized gates and facades. In embodiments of the invention, gates may be manually opened or closed, or have motorized controls for opening and closing the gates.

Facades are configured to attach to the modules, walls or gates of the perimeter boundary. Facades are in the shape of buildings, organic shapes, animals, cities, castles, structures, etc. Facades contain lights, speakers, electronics, etc.

Weapon targets which contain electronic sensors that detect weapons fired from the robots such as projectiles, light beams, laser beams, IR beams, water, liquids, gases, flames, missiles, rockets, or fireworks are mounted in the perimeter modules, walls, gates and/or facades of the perimeter boundary.

Indicator lights on the perimeter modules, walls, gates, facades and/or weapon targets indicate and enable the changing of the scoring method of robot targets and/or weapon targets from positive to negative points during game play, changing the scoring of different targets, or the availability of said robot targets or weapon targets for scoring. Weapon targets may also contain indicators to identify which weapon targets are “live” and available for scoring points during the game. Indicators can be colored lights and be color matched with player's color to indicate which targets (robot or weapon) are available for scoring by that player. The target indicator colors can be changed during a game. If a player attacks a target indicated with another player's color, negative points can be scored.

Robot target return modules are configured to attach to the walls, gates or facades of the perimeter boundary. The robot target return modules can be actuated with motors, elevators, lifts, suction, etc.

Robot target supply modules are configured to attach to the walls, gates or facades of the perimeter boundary. The robot target supply modules can be actuated with motors, solenoids, etc.

The entire perimeter boundary (perimeter modules, walls, gates, facades, weapon targets, robot target supply, robot target return, and weapon targets) can be contained in a box with a glass cover to provide an enclosed area which includes the robots and robot targets to create an arcade style game.

Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a top down view of a game system 10 with a billiard table 12 with identification and tracking sensors 16 positioned in the table pockets 14, and a robot or ball 18 according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 2 is a side perspective of a gaming system 20 showing a billiard table 12 with an identification and tracking sensor 26 suspended above the table 12 according to embodiments of the invention; FIG. 3A is a side perspective view of a pool ball 18 or robot with an identification barcode 28 according to embodiments of the invention. FIG. 3B is a side perspective view of a pool ball or robot 18′with a unique machine readable or recognizable electronics/component (RFID, magnets, etc.) 30 embedded inside according to embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 4A-4C are perspective views of gates 34 and wall sections 32 that form a boundary 36 on a billiard table 12, rectangular or flat surface according to embodiments of the invention. The gates 34 also serve as joinders to the wall sections 32. FIGS. 5A-5C are perspective views of gates 34 and wall sections 32 that form a boundary 36 on a round surface 38 according to embodiments of the invention. As will be explained further below, the angles of the joinders of the gate sections 34 determine the perimeter shape of the boundary 36.

FIGS. 6A-6E are perspective views of a pivoting latch 40 and configuration thereof for securing the boundary 36 to a surface such as the round surface 38 shown according to embodiments of the invention. The latch 40 is pivotally attached to wall sections 32, and as shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C is in an up position prior to securing the boundary 36 to round surface or table top 38. In FIGS. 6D and 6E the latches 40 are in a downward position to secure the boundary 36 to surface 38 by either extending beyond the edge of the surface or table top 38 (as shown) or fitting into a slot in the surface 38.

FIG. 6F is a perspective view of a sliding latch 41 that moves up and down in slide guide retention wings 43 along wall sections 32. As shown in the downward position stopper 45 formed at the top portion of sliding latch 41 rests on the top set of slide guide retention wings 43. In the down position, the slide latches 41 secure the boundary 36 to surface 38 by either extending beyond the edge of the surface or table top 38 (as shown) or fitting into a slot in the surface 38.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a flat blank 42 from which five gate configurations 90, 90L, 90R, 45, and 0 are formed according to embodiments of the invention. The gate configurations are made by folding the blank as shown in the series of FIGS. 8-11. By varying the angles of the wall joinder portion 44 of the gates 34, different boundary configurations may be obtained.

FIGS. 8A-8L are perspective views of a “90” gate and various configurations of boundary walls and openings formed with the “90” gates according to embodiments of the invention. As shown in FIGS. 8A-8E, the “90” gate 46 has two joinder portions 44 set at forty five degrees which when joining two wall sections 32 form a right angle (90 degree) corner as shown in FIGS. 8F-8L. FIGS. 8F-8I illustrate a rectangular boundary with four “90” gates 46 at the corners of wall sections 32. The wall joinder portion 44 clips on to the wall sections 32, and may be secured with fasteners via holes 48. FIG. 8J shows two gates 50 cut in the elongated side walls 52. FIG. 8K shows two gates 50 cut in the shorter end walls 54. FIG. 8L has gates 50 in both the elongated side walls 52 and the shorter end walls 54.

FIGS. 9A-9H are perspective views of a “0” gate 56 and various configurations of boundary walls and openings formed with the “0” gates 56 and “90” gates 46 according to embodiments of the invention. The “0” gates 56 have joinder portions 44 set at zero degrees relative to the gate 56 and join wall sections 32 in a straight line as shown in FIG. 9F-9H.

FIGS. 10A-10G are perspective views of a “45” gate 58 and various configurations of boundary walls and openings formed with the “45” gates 58 and “0” gates 56 according to embodiments of the invention. The “45” gate 58 has joinder portions 44 at twenty two and a half (22.5 degrees) relative to the gate 58. FIGS. 10E and 10F show a circular boundary formed only with “45” gates 58 and wall sections 32. FIG. 10G shows an oval formed with “45” gates 58 and “0” gates 56 with wall sections 32.

FIGS. 11A-11F are perspective views of a “90L” gate 60 and “90R” gate 62 and various configurations of boundary walls and openings formed with the “90L” and “90R” gates according to embodiments of the invention. The “90L” gate 60 has a right angle joinder portion 44 relative to an elongated straight joinder 64 on the left side as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B. The “90R” gate 62 has a right angle joinder portion 44 relative to an elongated straight joinder 64 on the right side as shown in FIGS. 11C and 11D. FIGS. 11E and 11F show a square or rectangle form with “90L” gates 60 and “90R” gates 62 and wall sections 32.

FIGS. 12A-12B are perspective views of a hinged gate 66 according to embodiments of the invention. The hinge 66 allows for custom angles to be set

FIGS. 13A-13F are perspective views showing relative sizes of the robot or robot target to gate openings that allow or impede pass through of the robot or robot target according to embodiments of the invention. In FIGS. 13A and 13B shows a case where robot target 18 is smaller than the gate opening 50 and is free to pass through. In FIGS. 13C-13F shows a case where robot target 18 is larger than the gate opening 50.

FIGS. 14A-14F are perspective views of a manual blocking gate in a “0” gate and “90” gate according to embodiments of the invention. FIG. 14A shows a gate opening 50, and FIG. 14B shows a manual blocking gate 68 designed to be inserted or clipped in to the gate opening 50, as shown in FIG. 14C. FIGS. 14D and 14E show a front and rear view of a manual blocking gate 68 inserted in a “0” gate 56. FIG. 4F shows a “90” gate 58 with the manual blocking gate 68 inserted.

FIGS. 15A-15D are perspective views of a motorized gate 70 according to embodiments of the invention. FIG. 15A shows the motorized gate 70 from the front in a closed position, and FIG. 15B shows the motorized gate 70 from the rear. The hooks 72 are used to affix the motorized gate 70 to a gate opening 50. Also shown in FIG. 15B and in cross section in

FIG. 15C and in detail in FIG. 15D are a motorized gear 74 and track 76 that engages with the gear 74 for raising and lowering the gate 70.

FIGS. 16A-16K are perspective views of a gate sensor 78 for detecting the robot target 18 according to embodiments of the invention. The gate sensor 78 is mountable above a gate 50 with clips 80. FIGS. 16E-16H are perspective views of the gate sensor 78 mounted over an opening 50 in the boundary wall 32. FIGS. 161 and 16J show a “90” gate 58 with a gate sensor 78 mounted. FIG. 16K shows a “0” gate 56 with a gate sensor 78 mounted above the opening.

FIGS. 17A-17E are perspective views of an auto robot target (robot target cannon) supply 80 according to embodiments of the invention. The robot target supply 80 has a shaft 82 for storing the robot targets 18. A pin 84 pushes the robot targets outward from the robot target supply 80, where the pin and push mechanism is contained in housing 86. Clip 88 allows for positioning the robot target supply 80 on the game boundary as shown in FIG. 17E for a “0” gate

FIGS. 18A-18D are perspective views of a weapon target module 90 that is mountable in a target façade 92 which is shown in the perspective views of FIGS. 19A-19D. The target façade 92 has frames 94 for mounting the weapon target modules 90. Frames and weapon target modules can be any corresponding shape—square, rectangular, circular, oval, octagonal, triangular, etc. Extending from the back of the target façade 92 are clips 96 for mounting to the boundary wall 32 or any of the gates.

FIGS. 20A-20K are perspective views of target facades (for robot or weapon targets) 98 for gates, the robot target supply 80, and weapon target modules 90 of FIGS. 17A-17E and FIGS. 18A-18D, respectively, according to embodiments of the invention. The target facades 98 have gate openings 50 on the bottom for the gates, and frames 94 for the weapon target modules 90. Clips 96 attach the facades 98 to the boundary wall 32. FIG. 20I shows a group of target facades 98 that are mounted to the boundary wall 32 to form a city like skyline. FIGS. 20J and 20K show a robot target supply 80 behind a target façade 98. It is noted that while buildings have been used as illustrative target facades, animals, people, fanciful characters, transportation vehicles, or other subject matter may be used as a façade for the boundary.

As shown in FIG. 20A, an indicator light 97 may indicate and enable the changing of the scoring of one or more targets and target modules from positive to negative points during game play, changing the scoring of different targets, or the availability of said one or more targets or target modules for scoring.

In embodiments robots may be able to physically inter-act with the boundary walls and gates that form a stadium. For example, interactions may be analogous to a pinball game where one or more of the robot act as the pinball and physically hits targets in the stadium wall to score points. A sensor may identify which Robot hit the target in order to score points to the correct Robot (in multi Robot games). Another interaction would be for the robot to have an extendable probe that could interact with the stadium wall. The probe may be a simple cylinder that extends out from the robot and goes in a hole in the stadium Wall, or the probe could be a more complex arm that reaches out and inter-acts with features in the stadium.

The foregoing description is illustrative of particular embodiments of the invention, but is not meant to be a limitation upon the practice thereof. The following claims, including all equivalents thereof, are intended to define the scope of the invention. 

In the claims:
 1. A boundary wall system for robotic gaming comprising: a set of wall sections; a set of gates with joining terminations; and wherein said set of wall sections are joined together with said set of gates to form a boundary enclosure for a playing surface.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein said boundary is configurable to at least one of a rectangle, square, octagon, circle, oval, or into a combinations of these shapes.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein said joining termination further comprises clips for attachment to said set of wall sections.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein said gate is formed from a stamped flat blank that is folded to form said gate.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein said joining terminations are set at a fixed angle relative to a gate from said set of gates; and wherein said fixed angle ranges between 0 and 90 degrees.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein said joining terminations are hinged to set at any angle.
 7. The system of claim 1 wherein said of set of wall sections further comprise a latch for securing said boundary enclosure to said playing surface.
 8. The system of claim 1 wherein said playing surface is a round, oval, square or rectangular table.
 9. The system of any one of claim 1 wherein said playing surface is any relatively flat surface.
 10. The system of claim 1 wherein said playing surface is a billiard table.
 11. The system of claim 1 further comprising a vision system mountable to said gates configured to recognize a set of machine readable markings or colors on targets or a set of game playing robots; and wherein said machine readable markings comprise colors, barcodes, quick response (QR) codes, or other coded representations of uniqueness.
 12. The system of claim 1 wherein said gates are motorized to open and close.
 13. The system of claim 1 further comprising a set of facades that attach to said boundary enclosure with clips or latches.
 14. The system of claim 13 wherein said gates or said facades have one or more indicator lights to indicate and enable the changing of the scoring of one or more targets and target modules from positive to negative points during game play, changing the scoring of different targets, or the availability of said one or more targets or target modules for scoring.
 15. The system of claim 13 wherein one or more target modules are configured to mount in said façade or wall section, said target module comprising a projectile, light beam, laser beam, IR beam, water, gas, flame, missile, rocket, or firework sensor.
 16. The system of claim 13 wherein a target ball supply is configured to mount to said façade or wall section.
 17. The system of claim 1 wherein said set of gates are sized to allow target balls to pass through and not a robot.
 18. The system of claim 1 wherein said set of gates and a set of target balls can be different sizes, where a set of small gates will only allow a set of small targets balls to pass through, and where one or more robots are larger than the largest gate.
 19. A method of playing a game comprising: placing at least one robot into a system of claim 1 or on a billiards table; maneuvering the at least one robot to move a ball on the playing surface to urge the ball from within the boundary enclosure or a surface of the billiards table. 